National ad on crime accused of using footage from its own term
A National Party attack video that blames Labour for rising crime includes several clips from incidents that occurred after National formed government in November 2023.
National released a campaign video accusing Labour of "gaslighting" the public on crime, pairing remarks by former prime ministers Jacinda Ardern and Chris Hipkins with a series of crime scenes. The montage includes a January 2024 smash-and-grab at a Michael Hill jeweller in Mount Maunganui, an April 2024 armed robbery in Manurewa, and other incidents from 2024 and November 2024. 1News verified that at least five of these clips occurred after National formed a government on 27 November 2023.
National’s spokesperson argued the footage illustrates Labour’s failure on law and order, citing legislation the party passed in its first year, while Labour’s police spokesperson Ginny Andersen accused National of lying and failing to deliver promised police resources. The dispute highlights how political advertising is scrutinized for factual accuracy ahead of the upcoming election.
